Android devices were the target of 99 out of every 100 mobile malware attacks in 2013

0.phoneArena
21 Jan 2014, 16:01posted on

Cisco's latest report makes it pretty clear that Android devices are the primary target of most mobile malware attacks. Cisco adds that the Android platform is also the major target (71%) for web-delivered malware. While that sounds scary, only 1.2% of malware attacks target a specific device. The rest are using a wider net to catch all the fish in the ocean. Those include things like phishing and redirects on the web...

2) how many of those attacks took place outside the US, in one of the many nations where Google Play paid apps aren't yet available?

I've had many Android devices over the course of almost four years. I've had several Windows computers. I've gotten several noticeable viruses (and god knows how much malware) on Windows, but none on Android.

Just like with iOS, sticking to the mainline app store and practicing common sense on the Internet will take you far.

@sniggly, who knows. However I deal with hacked phones on a regular basis. Weekly I have to tell customers to do a master reset because an app they have used invited either a bad os function or virus. Every week.

I have yet to do the same for ios or windowsphone. Have done a few blackberry's for this type of stuff.

However point is. I have had no virus since I ditched xp and went with vista, 7, 8. Do they exist? sure do, but defender works fine. My gf's got attacked, browser attack that I had to registery fix.

But google wants this, they want this control because it works significantly well. While openness has made android it can also kill it. Look at Samsung wanting more control and droid alternatives.

There was an attack on Macs a few months back. Guess what I did... I didn't open the email that said, "Hey! I got your email address from a mutual friend." And that was it. People have got to learn to protect THEMSELVES and not trust that see, open, or download on a computer (because that's what smartphone are) is safe.

If you think about your favorite sport, can you think of ANY number two teams or contenders who are activity targeted? Everyone tasters number one right, with very few exceptions. That's what this is. It's not that any of then are any more or less secure than the others. When iOS or any other OS becomes number one, they will become the new favorite target. That's just how it is.

When desktop windows is popular using anti virus software and lavasoft Adware combo protection are a must.

Android I could still get away with using Playstore and limiting side loading to trusted source. I am prepared to use anti malware apps to protect my phone just like I did for desktop windows when the time come.

For me I believe in better the devil you know than an angel that you don't. Google disclose all their terms while microsoft don't. Microsoft has a search engine bing and are doing what Google has been doing and yet Microsoft pretend to be clean. They even try to sell that idea with a multi millons funded scrooge campaign. Only fools will be taken in for a ride.

23.papss (unregistered)

Dude you talk more crap along with countless others in EVERY wp8 article. The difference I actually owned the newest androids and state my preferences for WP8 but rarely clog up android articles with my love for WP8. THIS article has little to do with m$ and you still bash. Its pathetic and if you dislike m$ that much stop talking about them. Why give them your time and worthless thought of them? If you like android so be it and no one but you cares. You hate them like its your job along with countless others who can't put together a complete sentence.

58.papss (unregistered)

I love WP, yes we're not the majority.. Do you have a point❔... My goal isn't to come and here and compare WP to Android, because I could care less about Android.. Who cares❔... You're petty for trying to call someone out for being a fan of a specific OS,, especially when they openly admit it.. What do you hope to accomplish by doing that❔.. You think you're gonna make me not keep standing up for my platform❔❔ It's people like you who always have to turn everything into a competition,, and that's because you fear WP, and what it has going for it, which is a lot❕... Regardless of whether haters like you think so... You ride on a high horse now because Google has high market share, but that's Google's accomplishment, not yours.. What do you accomplish in real life❔ Do you have a real life❔ Ok.. I'll let you have what you want... Android is better than WP❕
Now, now that I've let you have that ate you happy❔ Your smartphone is better than mine, fine...

I guess I'll just have to enjoy my wife, kids, my beautiful house, the vacations I take, and I got a pretty cool car, truck, and motorcycle... Yeah, MS, WP, and W8 sucks in your opinion, but unlike you I have a real life to fall back on... So, instead of disrespecting other peoples purchases, and choices,,, why don't you get a real life❔

Or, do you still live with your mom until you graduate from high school❔... If you ever graduate... Lol❕❕❕

I like this _ Here is where Cisco, MS, Apple, BB _ yada-yada-yada who ever writes malware & virus definitions has the upper hand in this._
BECAUSE
The most successful malware on your device, is the malware or virus you didn't know was there. It goes un-noticed, When you get screwed its to late.

This is an official statement by Google saying that .001% of malware on Android even has the *chance* to harm devices. They don't know how many devices are actually affected by malware because the number is so small. Considering Android is the #1 mobile OS and thus the most targeted with malware, that's impressive, and really shows how hard Google has worked to increase security.

It's ironic enough already that Phil tweeted this to begin with. His OS came in second place for most web attacks, right behind Android. What does that say when you are "willing to admit that you're second worst" in order to try to paste your lead competitor as THE worst? The web attacks will only be proportional to the web traffic for each OS, anyway, so it only tells us which OS is most popular. Is this really a measure of insecurity at all? No, it is not. Ironic.

This is no such thing as malware on android from the google playstore, so just don't go to porn website or illegal websites to download from and guess what, no viruses or malware on android. Such a worthless article

I kinda agree with that but not really. The S line has many different shapes and sizes. And it's much easier to tell the GS1 from the 2, 3, and 4. Same with the Notes. But line up an iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and 5S and it gets a little harder. The extra half inch and fingerprint scanner help, but screen off... They all look exactly alike. Heck, screen on they look exactly alike.

They opened their lead on Android in the US...again...with the 'same phone for the fifth straight year.' I think there are reasons. The 100s of millions of iPhone users are not all stupid....many are choosing to leave and this is probably one of the reasons.

Let's be honest, the iPhone shouldn't have never lost its lead to Android in the first place, so the two or three percentage points they increased last year is playing catch up. Also, they aren't hurting Android's market share so much as they're taking shares from BlackBerry and other failing OSs.

I know many people don't like to hear it but it's true. Apple has sold the same phone 4 years ina row. I never implied anyone was stupid for buying it. If it works for you, I think it'sa good decision to buy another one when you're ready to upgrade. There is just no way in hell you would catch ME camping out days before the release, just to buy the same exact phone I already own. I don't care what fancy new color they make it in.

So your talking about the US, you you're posting links for a study in the UK? Clearly you didn't read what I replied, so what's the point in even talking to you. I said if it works for you than its a good buy. But your still trying to convince me what I like is bad? I like Android and there ain't much you can say, post, or point out that I haven't already heard. I need more than what the iPhone can offer and until Apple changes that, I will never own one.

Might be easier to just send out a mass email to all the current iphone users.

Funny trend that I've been seeing lately at the swing clubs...EVERYONE IS USING ANDROID LOL!!! Might have something to do with steve jobs quote on how porn is not allowed on his products...and if we wanted porn we would have to go with Android. (well said Steve...noted, and for that comment (and that comment alone) you will be missed)

Windows Phone just seems secure right now because it's rare. The iPhone (hate to say it, but it's true) is the king of smooth... I've seen and played with an Apple iPhone 4S and a Nokia Lumia 820 side by side, and the iPhone was decidedly smoother. I do think Windows Phone is smoother than a lot of the Android stuff I've played with, but this is no surprise as the Android kernel is larger and still more feature-filled. In a few ways I like the iPhone, in some ways I like Windows Phone, and in a few ways I like Android, but I am disappointed with all of them.

Android fanbois, having replaced Apple fans as the most blind, will defend the platform no matter what is said, done, happens. Here's an idea, DEMAND BETTER! I have phones on every platform and the first thing I do on my Andoid devices is install 'Lookout' and push ad detectors. Ridiculous.

As always people, you need to look at these with context, majority if not all attacks come from 3rd party unofficial app stores and the fact that 99% of the attack is towards Android and that there is very little success shows its not a real issue and any malware problem is usually self inflicted rather than google or Android having any real security issue.

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